Suspect charged with breaking and entering downtown

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington police say a man is behind bars after breaking and entering into a car at the old LEC Saturday.

A police spokeswoman said the Downtown Task Force was conducting a foot patrol of the area when they observed property damage to the parking structure at the old LEC.  The water hoses were tampered with and it appeared that an attempt had been made to flood the building.  A vehicle belonging to one of the building occupants was found to have been opened and gone through.

Police said, while the investigation was ongoing, officers observed a repeat trespassing offender in the 400 block of Princess Street and stopped him. The offender, Charles Ayres, was found to be in possession of the key of the breaking and entering victim’s vehicle.  Police also said he was soaking wet and admitted to tampering with the water hose to wash his clothes.

Officers said a fire extinguisher was found inside the victim’s vehicle and was confirmed to have been removed from the building.  Two other fire extinguishers were found to have been tampered with inside the parking area.

Officers arrest Ayres was arrested and charged him with Breaking and entering Auto, property damage, tampering with fire extinguisher,  and trespassing.